Improvement in springs for vehicles



2 Sheets--Sheet l. l. CU RTlS.

Springs for Vehicles.

v Patented Feb. 17.1874.

No.\47,6l3.

2 Sheets--Sheet 2.

l. UURTES. Springs for-Vehicles.

Patented Feb. 17

NOA/17,613.

0 "IIHIHIIHI Tvc" u .FI G- 5 v position. Figs. 4 and 5 UNITE TA'IESPATENT OFFICE.

JOHN CURTIS, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN SPRINGS FOR VEHICLES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. ll, dated February17,1874; application led November 21, 1873.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN CURTIS, of Cincinnati, Hamilton county, Ohio,have invented a new and useful Improvement in Spring-Vehicles, of whichthe following is a specification:

My invention relates to a compact, strong, and economical mode ofsupporting the body of a spring-vehicle upon runnii'lg-gear, which atthe same time permits the use of alowbody with practically unlimitedaction.

Figure 1 is a perspective view o f an arrangement of springs withaccessory parts embodying my invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are, respectively,a longitudinal and a transverse section of the same, with the bodyattached and in are respectively, a plan and a longitudinal section,showing a modification ofmy improvement. Fig. 6 shows by perspectiveview, and to a larger scale, some details of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 representsanother modification of my improvement. Fig. 8 represents a modificationof the device shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, the two perches being, as insaid iigures, separated somewhat more than the width of the body, butbeing, with the head-block, composed of a single bent stick or rod ofwood or steel.

The connection of the rear axlevtree A with the head-block B may be bycustomary perch C, or such connection may be by double perch C',substantially such as described in my patents of March 26, 1867, andAugust l0, 1870, and king-bolt D may. pass down through the head-blockin the usual manner, as shown by strong lines in Figs. l, 2, 4, and 5 5or, where fore wheels of large diameter coupled with ability of shortturning is desired, the kingbolt may occupy a rearwardly-extendin gbracket, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 4. Fastened by bolts E (orclips) at their mid lengths to rear axle-tree A and head-block B,respectively, are two common inverted bow-springs, F F', whoseextremities support, and are connected by, side bars G G', which may beeither of wood or of metal, as desired. From hangers or brackets H,extending inwardly from these bars, depend links I, which support andafford attachment for side springs J J', which, being bowed or upwardlycambered, as shown, are attached by bolts K (or clips) to the under sideof the bed or body, and constitute the sole support of the same.

For additional security the brackets Hmay be also connected to thesprings FF', by braces L, as in Figs. 4, 5, and 6, or the side springsmay be supported by, and connected. directly to the end springs, as inFig. 1. rlhe lowdown support of my side springs enables them, as well asthe end springs, to be cambered boldly so as to afford an exceedinglystrong, and, withal, sensitive bearing to the body, without placing thelatter at an inconvenient or unsafe elevation 5 and in fact my saidarrangement, especially that modiication of it shown in Figs. 4, 5, and6, (in which the customary single perch is replaced by two perchesseparated from one another a distance somewhat greater than the width ofthe body,) permits the use of a body of almost any degree of depression,with any desired resilience of support.

By increasing the length of the hanger, or its equivalent, the body canbe hung down aslow as may be required, and that without at allinterfering with the use of high wheels. rI`he bars G G' being subjectedto torsional action, and, constituting in fact a component part of theentire spring', are preferably made of steel or tough wood.

I claim as my invention- 1. rFhe springs F F' J J', links I, and bars GG', having hangers H, all combined to operate substantially as setforth.

2. The combination of the double orpaired perches C' C', springs J J',hangers H, links I, supporting members G G', and springs F F',constructed to operate substantially as set forth.

In testimony of which invention I hereunto set my hand.

Attest: JOHN CURTIS.

GEO. H. KNIGHT, JAMEs H. LAYMAN.

